The Indian subcontinent has had a history of devastating earthquakes. The major reason for the high frequency and intensity of the earthquakes is that India continues to drive into Asia at a rate of approximately 47 mm/year^[1]. Geographical statistics of India show that almost 54% of the land is vulnerable to earthquakes. The earthquake zoning map of India divides India into 5 zones. Each zone indicates effects of an earthquake at a particular place based on the observations of the affected areas, using a descriptive scale like Modified Mercalli intensity scale^[2] or the Medvedev-Sponheuer-Karnik scale^[3]. An earthquake is a phenomenon that results from and is powered by the sudden release of stored energy that radiates seismic waves. ... World map showing the location of Asia. ... The Mercalli intensity scale is one of many scales used to classify the intensity of an earthquake by examining its effects on the Earths surface, humans, objects of nature, and man-made structures. ... The Medvedev-Sponheuer-Karnik scale (MSK-64) is a macroseismic intensity scale used to measure the effects of earthquakes on humans, objects of nature, and structures. ...

Zone 5

Zone 5 is the worst prone zone in the country. It covers the area with the highest risk zone that suffers earthquakes of intensity MM IX or greater. It is referred to as the Very High Damage Risk Zone. The state of Kashmir, the western and central Himalayas, the North-East Indian region and the Rann of Kutch fall in this zone Shown in green is the Kashmiri region under Pakistani administration. ... Perspective view of the Himalaya and Mount Everest as seen from space looking south-south-east from over the Tibetan Plateau. ... Rann of Kutch on the Top Left. ...

Zone 4

This zone is called the High Damage Risk Zone and covers areas liable to MM VIII. The Indo-Gangetic basin and the Rajasthan region fall in Zone 4. hgi76

Zone 3

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands, parts of Kashmir, Western Himalayas and Punjab fall under this zone. This zone is classified as Moderate Damage Risk Zone which is liable to MM VII. Map of Andaman and Nicobar Islands with an extra detailed area around Port Blair The Andaman & Nicobar Islands (Tamil: அந்தமான், Hindi: अंडमान और निकोबार द्वीप) is a union territory of India. ... Shown in green is the Kashmiri region under Pakistani administration. ... Punjab (Punjabi: ਪੰਜਾਬ/پنجاب, Hindi: पंजाब, IPA: / /) is a state in northwest India. ...

Zone 2

This region is liable to MM VI and is classified as the Low Damage Risk Zone.

Zone 1

Regions which may suffer earthquakes of intensity MM V or less are classified as the Low Damage Risk Zone. Most parts of peninsular India and the Lakshdweep islands fall under this zone.

Notes

1. ^ Earthquake Hazards and the Collision between India and Asia. Retrieved on 2006-05-13.
2. ^ Vulnerability Zones in India. Retrieved on 2006-05-13.
3. ^ Lessons learned from the Gujarat earthquake - WHO Regional Office for South-East Asia. Retrieved on 2006-05-13.